The sixth stage of the Tour de France 2009, as the riders entered the hilly terrains of Spain, was considered to be among one of the most difficult phases of the journey; the stretch from Girona to Barcelona. Thor Hushovd of the Cervelo Test Team was the one among all the others who managed to push past the crashes and rough torrential conditions to win July 8’s stage. Hushovd pushed his way past past three time world champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank) to clinch the win.

The day was predicted to be one of extreme torrential conditions, of numerous crashes and injuries, and a very tough ride on wet muddy, roads, through the allotted path. This was touted to be the most interesting, intriguing and the raciest part of the whole of Tour de France.

David Miller, of the Garmin Slipstream, had managed to hold on to the initial lead that he had gained till the final kilometer of the journey. The Scots rider had maintained his lead in the race for as long as 29ks, and was one of the three who had broke of early in the 181 km ride from Girona base to Barcelona. Unfortunately he was caught just 2 kms from the finish at the Olympic Stadium.

After the event was over, he said, “I know all these roads around here along the coast, including the climbs. I think it was because of that I got all emotional and went off in the breakaway. That’s why I raced more with my heart than my head.”

Though Miller had performed an awesome feat, Thor Hoshovd ousted him in the final phase of the race, to lay his claim on the title.

• Tour de France 2009